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Author Topic: Extra trains on Sundays for Christmas Markets  (Read 2894 times)

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Re: Extra trains on Sundays for Christmas Markets
« Reply #3 on: November 25, 2014, 07:33:48 PM »
We now have a quote from Northern Rail on the extra Christmas trains:

'Northern Rail statement on Christmas strengthening'

As part of Northern Rail's plan for managing increased passenger demand over the Christmas season, various additional train services are being provided across the network. Northern will be using every available train to provide as many seats as possible. Over 60,000 more seats will be available every weekend across Northern's entire network in the run up to Christmas. This will make a big difference, however demand will be high so customers are advised to plan ahead, and where possible be flexible about when they travel. Trains tend to be quieter earlier in the morning and the last services of the night are going to be extremely busy, so people should try to opt for an earlier train. Additional staff will be on hand at stations over the coming weekends to help customers find their way and stay safe in the busy crowds.

For Marple specifically, extra Sunday trains will be provided up until 21st December. The extra inbound (to Manchester) services are 1029, 1129 and 1229 from Marple. The extra outbound (to Marple) trains are at 1406, 1506, 1606, 1706 and 1806 from Piccadilly. These extra services are shown in the usual public train journey planning websites, such as National Rail and Train Line. As ever, during periods of increased demand, customers are advised to check up to date travel information for these trains via Twitter - @northernrailorg or www.northernrail.org.


Mark Whittaker
The Marple Website

Dave

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Re: Extra trains on Sundays for Christmas Markets
« Reply #2 on: November 23, 2014, 10:11:15 AM »
This is good news, and a much needed improvement to our very poor Sunday train service.  Let's hope it proves to be more than temporary.

Earlier this year, Northern Rail, the UK's worst and most heavily subsidised railway company, had its franchise extended until February 2016.  This despite the fact that it continues to run tiny, noisy, cramped, uncomfortable trains which are hopelessly overcrowded.   And to add insult to injury, having had their franchise safely extended, they then whacked up fares by stopping the use of off-peak tickets in the late afternoon and early evening,  even for passengers travelling in to Manchester.   

Coming home last night on the 22.45 from Piccadilly (standing room only, of course) someone was telling me that he had travelled in to town earlier on a four-carriage train on which only two carriages were in use.  And of course they too were standing room only.    So even where Northern do have sufficient carriages, it seems they can't be bothered to open them for passengers to use.  It's really poor customer service.  We deserve better. 

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Extra trains on Sundays for Christmas Markets
« Reply #1 on: November 20, 2014, 07:58:02 PM »
Craig Wright advises that Northern Rail are putting on a number of additional trains on the New Mills-Manchester line on the Sundays leading up to Christmas.

This is not well publised and to quote Northern Rail:

Quote from: Northern Rail
This space is reserved for a quote from Northern Rail, who have promised to provide one.

There are three extra trains inbound at 1029, 1129 and 1229 from Marple. There are regular reports of the early trains into Manchester on Sundays being so overcrowded that people cannot get on at stations beyond Bredbury. These extra trains should help enormously.

The extra outbound trains are at 1406, 1506, 1606, 1706 and 1806 from Piccadilly. Again a huge help in terms of relieving overcrowding.

Please publicise these additional trains to all your members and anyone else that you can get the message out to.


Mark Whittaker
The Marple Website